TOURISM in North Wales will benefit from a massive drive to attract four million extra overseas visitors to Britain, John Penrose pledges today.

But the UK government Tourism Minister promises he is not trying to take over responsibility for the sector in Wales.

The Government Tourism Policy, published today, aims to exploit the opportunities presented by a series of blockbuster events over the next few years.

The ambition is to generate four million extra overseas visitors over the next four years, who would spend an additional £2bn and help create 50,000 new jobs.

Mr Penrose stressed the strategy, bolstered by a £100m marketing fund, is to encourage foreign visitors to come to Britain.

And there will be a concerted effort to entice the overseas tourists to go to alternative destinations from London – with North Wales seen as a prime example.

As the Daily Post reported yesterday, the blueprint also includes consulting on moving the May Day bank holiday to St David’s Day.

Mr Penrose said: “This policy affects the UK as a whole for inbound tourism – but it does not park London’s tanks on the lawns of the devolved tourist boards.”

The document notes it does not cover “the parts of the industry which are dealt with by the devolved administrations, principally the domestic tourism industries” – or the national marketing of Wales.

“Even so, it’s essential we work closely with the devolved administrations to make sure our respective approaches are complementary.”

The policy includes promoting a ‘staycation’ bonanza by encouraging more families to take domestic holidays, making it easier for foreign visitors to get visas and cutting red tape and bureaucracy.

There will be help to improve staff skills in the sector through extra apprenticeships and courses.

Mr Penrose admitted a section on changing the clocks to allow lighter evenings, supported by many in the tourism industry, had been “in, then out, then in and then out” of the final document.

He said: “We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase Britain to the world and show it is a wonderful place to visit.”

Next year’s Olympics, the Royal Wedding this spring, the Queen’s Diamond in 2012, the gay World Pride next year, the rugby league world cup in 2013, and rugby union tournament two years later, were among the cultural and sporting events that would attract visitors.